KR20190129883A - Method and device for selecting network elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application discloses a network element selection method and apparatus. The method comprises: receiving, by a first network element in a first communication system, a first message sent by a terminal device; And in response to the first message, determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on first subscription information and second subscription information. According to this method, terminal devices that support 4G systems and 5G systems and do not have interworking requirements can properly select network elements.

Description

Method and device for selecting network elements

This application is filed on May 8, 2018, and entitled "Network Element Selection Method and Apparatus", and Chinese Application No. 201810432656.9, and filed on May 18, 2018 and entitled "Network Element Selection Method." And device "Chinese Application 201810481106.6, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to the field of wireless communications technologies, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for selecting network elements.

As communication technologies develop rapidly, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication technologies emerge. In the early stages of network deployment, due to insufficient coverage of the 5G network, when the location of the user equipment (UE) changes, the session of the UE is handed over between the 5G network and the Fourth Generation (4G) network. Need to be.

In the prior art, as shown in FIG. 1, when a UE accesses a 4G system, if the Mobility Management Entity (MME) determines that the UE can support 4G systems and 5G systems, Select a co-located session management function network element to establish a connection. However, in some scenarios, the UE does not need to use the service of the 5G network or subscribe to the service of the 5G network, that is, the UE supporting the 4G system and the 5G system does not have interworking requirements. In this case, therefore, the MME does not need to select a co-located session management function network element for the UE.

Thus, a network element may be improperly selected in the case described above, resulting in a relatively heavy load of co-located session management function network element.

Embodiments of the present application provide a method and apparatus for selecting a network element so that a UE supporting a 4G system and a 5G system and having no interworking requirements can appropriately select a network element.

According to a first aspect, the present application provides a network element selection method, the method comprising:

Receiving, by a first network element in a first communication system, a first message sent by a terminal device, the first message being used to request to establish a session; And in response to the first message, determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on first subscription information and second subscription information—the first The subscription information includes subscription information of the terminal device in the first communication system, and the second subscription information includes subscription information of the terminal device in a second communication system.

Thus, the first network element in the first communication system may select a suitable network element as the target session management function network element based on the first subscription information and the second subscription information. In the prior art, compared to selecting a network element based solely on whether the terminal device supports a 4G system and a 5G system, the terminal device supporting the 4G system and the 5G system and having no interworking requirements can select the network element appropriately. For example, the load of the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

Optionally, the first subscription information may be subscription information corresponding to one or more data network identities of the terminal device in the first communication system. The second subscription information may also be subscription information corresponding to one or more data network identities of the terminal device in the second communication system. Alternatively, the first subscription information may be indication information indicating whether the terminal device subscribes to a data network identity in the first communication system, and the second subscription information is also determined by the terminal device in the second communication system. It may be indication information indicating whether to subscribe to the data network identity.

In a possible design, the step of determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on first subscription information and second subscription information is specifically: the capability of the terminal device. And determining the target session management function network element based on the first subscription information and the second subscription information.

Thus, the first network element in the first communication system may determine the target session management function network element with reference to the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME. When the first network element in the first communication system determines the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information, the terminal device determines the first; The MME supports co-located session management if it supports a first communication system and the second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session. Selecting a functional network element as the target session management network element, where a network element having session management capability of 5G system and session management capability of 4G system is the co-located session management function network element.

Thus, the MME may select the co-located session management function network element as a target session management function network element for a terminal device having both interworking capability and interworking requirements.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME. When the first network element in the first communication system determines the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information, the terminal device determines the target device. If the first communication system and the second communication system are supported, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information corresponds to the data network identity of the session. Without including corresponding subscription information, the MME selects a session management function network element in a 4G system as the target session management network element.

Thus, the MME may select the session management function network element in the 4G system as the target session management network element for the terminal device having interworking capability but no interworking requirements (ie, the terminal device may use the services of the 5G network). No need or do not subscribe to services on 5G networks). In this way, since the session requirements can be met, the load on the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is AMF. When the first network element in the first communication system determines the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information, the terminal device determines the first; The AMF supports co-located session management if it supports a first communication system and the second communication system, and if both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session. Selecting a functional network element as the target session management network element, where a network element having session management capability of 5G system and session management capability of 4G system is the co-located session management function network element.

Thus, the AMF may select the co-located session management function network element as a target session management function network element for a terminal device having both interworking capability and interworking requirements.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is AMF. When the first network element in the first communication system determines the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information, the terminal device determines the target device. If the first communication system and the second communication system are supported, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information corresponds to the data network identity of the session. Without including corresponding subscription information, the AMF selects a session management function network element in a 5G system as the target session management network element.

Accordingly, the AMF may select the session management function network element in the 5G system as the target session management network element for the terminal device having interworking capability but no interoperation requirements (ie, the terminal device may use the services of the 4G network). No need or do not subscribe to services on 4G networks). In this way, since the session requirements can be met, the load on the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

In a possible design, the method further comprises: sending, by the first network element in the first communication system, a second message to the target session management function network element. Cause the element to determine the policy control network element and the charging system based on the second message.

Optionally, the second message is configured to select a policy control network element and a co-located charging system co-located with the target session management function network element, or a policy control network element and a charging system in the first communication system. Contains instruction information to indicate. If the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME, the MME uses the second message to correlate. The session management function network element may be instructed to select a policy control network element and a billing system in the 4G system for an end device having interworking capability but no interworking requirements (ie, the end device is 5G No need to use the services of the network or subscribe to the services of the 5G network), the load of co-located policy control network elements and the load of co-located charging systems can be reduced. If the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an AMF, the AMF uses the second message to correlate. The session management function network element may be instructed to select a policy control network element and a billing system in the 5G system for an end device having interworking capability but no interworking requirements (ie, the end device is 4G No need to use the services of the network or subscribe to the services of the 4G network), the load of co-located policy control network elements and the load of co-located charging systems can be reduced.

According to a second aspect, the present application provides another method of selecting network elements, the method comprising:

Receiving, by a first network element in a first communication system, a first message sent by a terminal device, the first message being used to request to establish a session; And in response to the first message, determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device and the third subscription information of the terminal. .

Thus, the first network element in the first communication system may select a network element suitable as the target session management function network element based on the third subscription information of the terminal. In the prior art, compared to selecting a network element based solely on whether the terminal device supports a 4G system and a 5G system, the terminal device supporting the 4G system and the 5G system and having no interworking requirements can select the network element appropriately. For example, the load of the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME. The third subscription information of the terminal may be indication information indicating whether the data network identity APN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 5G system (or referred to as 5GC). Optionally, indicating whether the data network identity APN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 5G system (or referred to as 5GC) is as follows: the third network's third subscription information corresponds to the session and the network slice And identifying information indicating whether the identification S-NSSAI and interworking with the DNN are supported. Determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device and the third subscription information of the terminal: If the third system is configured to support a communication system and the second communication system, and the third subscription information of the terminal indicates that the data network identity APN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 5G system, Selecting a co-located session management function network element as a session management network element. The co-located session management function network element may be a network element having both session management capability of a 4G system and session management capability of a 5G system, for example, SMF + PGW-C. Thus, the MME may select the co-located session management function network element as a target session management function network element for a terminal device having both interworking capability and interworking requirements.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME. The third subscription information of the terminal may be indication information indicating whether the data network identity APN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 5G system (or referred to as 5GC). Optionally, indicating whether the data network identity APN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 5G system (or referred to as 5GC) is as follows: the third network's third subscription information corresponds to the session and the network slice And identifying information indicating whether the identification S-NSSAI and interworking with the DNN are supported. Determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device and the third subscription information of the terminal: Support the communication system and the second communication system, and if the third subscription information of the terminal indicates that the data network identity APN of the session does not support interworking with a 5G system, by the MME, the target session Omitting to select a co-located session management function network element as the management network element. Omitting, by the MME, selecting a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element is: as the target session management network element by the MME, not specifically used for interworking. Selecting a session management function network element. Accordingly, the MME may select a session management function network element in a 4G system as a target session management network element for terminal devices having interworking capability but no interoperation requirements (ie, APNs that do not support interworking with 5G). have. In this way, since the session requirements can be met, the load on the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is AMF. The third subscription information of the terminal may be indication information indicating whether the data network identity DNN corresponding to the session supports interworking with the 4G system (or referred to as EPS). Optionally, indicating whether the data network identity DNN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 4G system (or referred to as EPS) includes: network slice identification S-NSSAI and the third subscription information of the terminal corresponding to the session; And the indication information indicating whether the data network identity DNN supports interworking with 4G (or referred to as EPS). Determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device and the third subscription information of the terminal: If it supports a communication system and the second communication system and the third subscription information of the terminal indicates that the data network identity DNN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 4G system (or referred to as EPS), Selecting, by the AMF, a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element. The co-located session management function network element may be a network element having both session management capability of a 5G system and session management capability of a 4G system, for example, SMF + PGW-C. Thus, the AMF may select the co-located session management function network element as a target session management function network element for a terminal device having both interworking capability and interworking requirements.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is AMF. The third subscription information of the terminal may be indication information indicating whether the data network identity DNN corresponding to the session supports interworking with the 4G system (or referred to as EPS). Optionally, indicating whether the data network identity DNN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 4G system (or referred to as EPS) includes: network slice identification S-NSSAI and the third subscription information of the terminal corresponding to the session; And the indication information indicating whether the data network identity DNN supports interworking with 4G (or referred to as EPS). Determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device and the third subscription information of the terminal: Support the communication system and the second communication system, and if the third subscription information of the terminal indicates that the data network identity DNN of the session does not support interworking with a 4G system, by the AMF, the target session Omitting to select a co-located session management function network element as the management network element. Omitting, by the AMF, selecting a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element: as the target session management network element by the AMF, which is not specifically used for interworking. Selecting a session management function network element. Accordingly, the AMF may select a session management function network element in a 5G system as a target session management network element for terminal devices that have interworking capability but no interoperability requirements (ie, DNNs that do not support interworking with 4G). have. In this way, since the session requirements can be met, the load on the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

In a possible design, the method further comprises: sending, by the first network element in the first communication system, a second message to the target session management function network element. Cause the element to determine the policy control network element and the charging system based on the second message.

Optionally, the second message is configured to select a policy control network element and a co-located charging system co-located with the target session management function network element, or a policy control network element and a charging system in the first communication system. Contains instruction information to indicate. If the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME, the MME uses the second message to correlate. The session management function network element may be instructed to select a policy control network element and a billing system in the 4G system for an end device having interworking capability but no interworking requirements (ie, the end device is 5G No need to use the services of the network or subscribe to the services of the 5G network), the load of co-located policy control network elements and the load of co-located charging systems can be reduced. If the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an AMF, the AMF uses the second message to correlate. The session management function network element may be instructed to select a policy control network element and a billing system in the 5G system for an end device having interworking capability but no interworking requirements (ie, the end device is 4G No need to use the services of the network or subscribe to the services of the 4G network), the load of co-located policy control network elements and the load of co-located charging systems can be reduced.

According to a third aspect, an apparatus for selecting network elements is provided, the apparatus comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive a first message sent by a terminal device, the first message requesting to establish a session Used for-; And in response to the first message, a processing unit configured to determine a target session management function network element based on first subscription information and second subscription information, wherein the first subscription information is determined by the terminal device in the first communication system. Subscription information, wherein the second subscription information includes subscription information of the terminal device in a second communication system.

In a possible design, the processing unit is specifically configured to determine the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the device is an MME; The processing unit: if the terminal device supports a first communication system and a second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, Is specifically configured to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein a network element having session management capability of a 5G system and session management capability of a 4G system is co-located. Functional network element.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the device is an MME; The processing unit includes: the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to a data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information Does not include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, and is specifically configured to select a session management function network element in a 4G system as the target session management network element.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the device is an AMF; The processing unit: if the terminal device supports a first communication system and a second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, Is specifically configured to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein a network element having session management capability of a 5G system and session management capability of a 4G system is co-located. Functional network element.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the device is an AMF; The processing unit includes: the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to a data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information Does not include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, and is specifically configured to select a session management function network element in a 5G system as the target session management network element.

In a possible design, the apparatus further comprises: a sending unit, configured to send a second message to the target session management function network element, such that the target session management function network element is based on the second message. And determine the billing system.

A fourth aspect of the present invention discloses another network element selection apparatus, which includes:

A receiving unit, configured to receive a first message sent by the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to request to establish a session; And

And in response to the first message, determine a target session management function network element based on the capability of the terminal device and the third subscription information of the terminal.

In a possible implementation, the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the network element selection device is an access and mobility management function network element AMF in a 5G system;

The processing unit is configured such that: the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and a data network identity DNN whose third subscription information of the terminal corresponds to the session is configured to interwork with a 4G system. If instructing to support, it is specifically configured to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element.

In a possible implementation, the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the network element selection device is an access and mobility management function network element AMF in a 5G system;

The processing unit: the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and the third subscription information indicates that the data network identity DNN of the session does not support interworking with a 4G system. If so, specifically configured to omit selecting a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element. Specifically, omitting to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element comprises: selecting a session management function network element in a 5G system as the target session management network element.

In a possible implementation, the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the network element selection device is a mobility management function network element MME in a 4G system;

The processing unit is configured such that: the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and the data network identity APN whose third subscription information of the terminal corresponds to the session is interoperable with a 5G system. If instructing to support, it is specifically configured to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element.

In a possible implementation, the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the network element selection device is a mobility management function network element MME in a 4G system;

The processing unit: the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and the third subscription information indicates that the data network identity APN of the session does not support interworking with a 5G system. If so, specifically configured to omit selecting a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element. Specifically, omitting to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element includes: selecting a session management function network element in a 4G system as the target session management network element.

In a possible implementation, the device is:

And further comprising a sending unit, configured to send a second message to the target session management function network element, such that the target session management function network element determines a policy control network element and a charging system based on the second message.

According to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an apparatus for selecting a network element, which may be a first network element in a first communication system or may be a chip in a first network element in a first communication system. have. The apparatus may comprise a processing unit and a transceiver unit. When the apparatus is the first network element in the first communication system, the processing unit may be a processor and the transceiver unit may be a transceiver. The first network element in the first communication system may further comprise a storage unit, which may be a memory. The storage unit is configured to store instructions, and the processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit such that the first network element in the first communication system is one of the first or the possible designs of the first aspect. Allows you to perform the method in either. When the apparatus is a chip in the first network element in the first communication system, the processing unit may be a processor, and the transceiver unit may be an input / output interface, pins, circuits, or the like. The processing unit executes the instructions stored in the storage unit, and the storage unit is configured to store the instructions. The storage unit may be a storage unit (eg, a register or a cache) in the chip, or a storage unit (eg, read-only memory) located outside the chip and in the first network element in the first communication system. Or random access memory), such that the first network element in the first communication system performs the method in either the first aspect or possible designs of the first aspect.

According to a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer readable storage medium, wherein the computer readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed on the computer, the computer can perform the method in the first aspect or the second aspect.

According to a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product comprising a program. When the computer program product is run on the computer, the computer is able to perform the method in the first aspect or the second aspect.

1 is a schematic diagram of an interworking architecture of a 4G system and a 5G system according to an embodiment of the present application.
2 is a schematic flowchart of a method for selecting a network element according to an embodiment of the present application.
3 is a specific schematic flow diagram 1 of establishing a session connection by a UE in a 4G network according to an embodiment of the present application.
4 is a specific schematic flow diagram 2 of establishing a session connection by a UE in a 4G network according to an embodiment of the present application.
5 is a specific schematic flow diagram 1 of establishing a session connection by a UE in a 5G network according to an embodiment of the present application.
6 is a specific schematic flow diagram 2 of establishing a session connection by a UE in a 5G network according to an embodiment of the present application.
7 is a schematic structural diagram of a network element selection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.
8 is a schematic structural diagram of a first network element in a first communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.
9 is a specific schematic flow diagram 3 of establishing a session connection by a UE in a 4G network according to an embodiment of the present application.
10 is a specific schematic flow diagram 3 of establishing a session connection by a UE in a 5G network according to an embodiment of the present application.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described embodiments of the present application.

1 is a schematic diagram of a specific application scenario according to an embodiment of the present application. It is to be understood that Figure 1 is merely an example and is not used to limit the present application.

In the interworking architecture of the 4G system and the 5G system shown in FIG. 1, the 4G network and the 5G network have a User Plane Function (UPF) + Packet Data Network Gateway User Plane Function (PGW). -U), Session Management Function (SMF) + Protocol Data Unit Gateway Control Plane function (PGW-C), Policy Control Function (PCF) + Policy and Charging Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF), and Home Subscriber Server (HSS) + Unified Data Management (Unified Data Management, UDM). "+" Here represents co-location, where "co-location" means that one device has the functions of two entities. UPF is a user plane function network element in 5G, PGW-U is a PDU gateway user plane function network element corresponding to UPF in 4G, UPF + PGW-U is a co-located user plane function network element, and 5G system It has the user plane function and the user plane function of 4G system. SMF is a session management function network element in 5G, PGW-C is a PDU gateway control plane function network element that is in 4G and corresponds to SMF, SMF + PGW-C is a co-located session management function network element, and 5G Session management capability of the system and session management capability of the 4G system. PCF is a policy and charging rule function network element in 5G, PCRF is a policy control function network element in 4G, and online charging system (OCS) and offline charging system (OFCS) PCF + PCRF is a co-located policy and charging rule function network element, and has a policy and charging rule function of 5G system and a policy and charging rule function of 4G system. The UDM is configured to manage user data in 5G, for example, user data in 5G includes subscription information of the user in 5G. The HSS corresponds to a UDM and is configured to manage user data in 4G, for example, user data in 4G includes user subscription information in 4G. HSS + UDM is a co-located user data management network element. Next Generation Radio Access Networks (NG-RAN) in FIG. 1 are access network devices in 5G, and Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) in 4G. Note that the access network device of the In an interoperable architecture, the MME communicates with the E-UTRAN using Serving Gateway (SGW) and UPF + PGW-U or using Serving Gateway and SMF + PGW-C. In addition, the interoperable architecture may further include pure 4G network elements, and may include, for example, at least one of PGW-U, PGW-C, PCRF, and HSS. Similarly, the interoperable architecture may further include pure 5G network elements, and may include, for example, at least one of UPF, SMF, PCF, and UDM.

When a UE in a 5G system performs access, if the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) determines that the UE can support the 4G system and the 5G system, then the AMF is responsible for establishing the connection. It is to be understood that the user selects a co-located session management function network element. In some scenarios, the UE does not need to use the service of the 4G network or do not subscribe to the service of the 4G network. That is, UEs supporting 4G systems and 5G systems may not have interworking requirements. In this case, therefore, the AMF does not need to select the co-located session management function network element for the UE. Thus, there is also a problem that the network element is inappropriately selected when the UE in the 5G system performs access. Thus, to solve the problem of inadequate selection of network elements, embodiments of the present application provide a method of selecting network elements. As shown in FIG. 2, the method includes the following steps to enable a UE that supports 4G system and 5G system and does not have interworking requirements to properly select a network element.

Step 200: The first network element in the first communication system receives a first message sent by the terminal device, where the first message is used to request to establish a session. The first message is used to request to establish a session. In a possible design, the first network element determines, based on the message type or message name of the first message, that the message is used to request to establish a session. For example, the first message is a PDU Session Establishment Request or the first message is a PDU Connectivity Request, and the first network element is based on the message name, so that the message establishes a session. May be used to request the following: Alternatively, the first message is an Attach Request and, based on the message type, after successfully registering with the network side, the UE may determine that it needs to request to establish a session.

Step 210: In response to the first message, the first network element in the first communication system determines the target session management function network element based on the first subscription information and the second subscription information-the first subscription information being the first subscription information. Subscription information of the terminal device in the communication system, and the second subscription information includes the subscription information of the terminal device in the second communication system. In a possible design, the first subscription information may be subscription information corresponding to one or more data network identities of the terminal device in the first communication system. The second subscription information may also be subscription information corresponding to one or more data network identities of the terminal device in the second communication system. In another possible design, the first subscription information may be indication information indicating whether the terminal device subscribes to a data network identity in the first communication system, and the second subscription information is also determined by the terminal device in the second communication system. May be indication information indicating whether to subscribe to a data network identity.

The first network element in the first communication system needs to obtain first subscription information and second subscription information. In a possible design, before step 200, the first network element in the first communication system sends a third message to the co-located user data management network element, the third message being the first subscription information and the second subscription. It is used to obtain information. The first network element in the first communication system stores first subscription information and second subscription information. Alternatively, the first network element in the first communication system individually queries the user data management network element in the first communication system for first subscription information and the second communication system for second subscription information. Query user data management network elements in. Thus, the first network element in the first communication system may prestore first subscription information and second subscription information. In another possible design, after step 200 and before step 210, the first network element in the first communication system sends a fourth message to the co-located user data management network element, and the fourth message is a first subscription. It is used to query the information and the second subscription information. Alternatively, the first network element in the first communication system individually queries the user data management network element in the first communication system for first subscription information and the second communication system for second subscription information. Query user data management network elements in. Thus, the first network element in the first communication system may query first subscription information and second subscription information. It should be understood that the co-located user data management network element may be the HSS + UDM shown in FIG. 1. Further, before acquiring the first subscription information and the second subscription information, the first network element in the first communication system may also determine the data network identity of the current session, and then, as the first subscription information, the first subscription information. Acquire subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the terminal device in the first communication system, and as the second subscription information, correspond to the data network identity and correspond to the data network identity for the terminal device in the second communication system Subscription information can be obtained.

It should be understood that the order in which the first network element in the first communication system obtains first subscription information and second subscription information is not limited in this application. In other words, the first network element may simultaneously acquire the first subscription information and the second subscription information, or may first obtain the first subscription information and then obtain the second subscription information. In a possible design, the first network element in the first communication system first obtains first subscription information; If it is determined that the first subscription information exists, the first network element then obtains the second subscription information; Or if it is determined that the first subscription information does not exist, the first network element rejects the current session establishment request and, optionally, no longer obtains the second subscription information.

In a possible implementation of step 210, the first network element in the first communication system determines the target session management function network element based on the terminal device's capabilities, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information. Can be. Optionally, prior to step 200, the first network element in the first communication system receives a Non Access Stratum (NAS) message sent by a terminal device, wherein the NAS message includes capability information of the terminal device. To return. Alternatively, the first message carries capability information of the terminal device. For example, the capability information of the terminal device includes information on whether the terminal device supports the first communication system and information on whether the terminal device supports the second communication system; Or the capability information of the terminal device includes indication information indicating whether the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system. Thus, the first network element in the first communication system may determine whether the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system based on the capability information of the terminal device.

Reference is made to specific application scenarios for a particular process wherein the first network element in the first communication system determines a target session management function network element based on a terminal device's capabilities, first subscription information, and second subscription information. It is explained below.

Scenario 1: The first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME.

Scenario 1 may specifically include two possible cases.

In a first possible case, if the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, the MME is a target. Select the co-located session management function network element as the session management network element, for example SMF + PGW-C shown in FIG.

In a second possible case, the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information is the data network of the session. If not including the subscription information corresponding to the identity, the MME selects the session management function network element in the 4G system as the target session management network element, for example, the PGW-C shown in FIG.

In the two possible cases described above, the MME needs to determine the target session management network element using two decision steps. The order of performing the two decision steps is not limited in this application.

One decision step is to determine whether the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system. In detail, the MME may determine that the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system based on the capability information of the terminal device.

Another determining step is to determine if both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session.

First, the MME needs to determine the data network identity of the session. When the first communication system is a 4G system and the second communication system is a 5G system, the data network identity of the session is an Access Point Name (APN). Specific APN determination methods are not limited in this application. In a possible design, the first message carries the data network identity of the session, and the MME may determine the data network identity of the session based on the first message. In another possible design, the first message does not carry a data network identity, and the MME may determine an APN, eg, a default APN, or determine a configured APN for a session based on local policy, local configuration, and the like. The following method of determining the data network identity of a session by the MME is consistent with the method herein. Repeated content is not described again.

In a first implementation, the MME determines or obtains first subscription information and second subscription information based on the determined APN. In this case, the first subscription information may be subscription information of the APN of the terminal device in the 4G system or may be indication information indicating whether the terminal device subscribes to the APN. The second subscription information may correspond to APN and may be subscription information of a data network name (DNN) for a terminal device in a 5G system, or may be indication information indicating whether the terminal device joins a DNN, and the APN may be a DNN. Corresponds to. Alternatively, the second subscription information corresponds to APN and is subscription information of DNN + Single Network Slice Selection Assistance information (S-NSSAI) for the terminal device in the 5G system, or the terminal device is DNN +. It may be indication information indicating whether to join the S-NSSAI, and the APN corresponds to the DNN + S-NSSAI. Specifically, for the first possibility, the manner in which the MME determines that both the first subscription information and the second subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session is as follows: Having subscription information of the APN, the terminal device has subscription information of the DNN corresponding to the APN and in the 5G system; Or the terminal device has subscription information of the APN in the 4G system, and the terminal device has subscription information of DNN + S-NSSAI corresponding to the APN and in the 5G system. For a second possibility, the manner in which the MME determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session and the second subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session The terminal device has the subscription information of the APN in the 4G system, and the terminal device does not have the subscription information of the DNN corresponding to the APN and in the 5G system; Or the terminal device has subscription information of the APN in the 4G system, and the terminal device corresponds to the APN and does not have subscription information of the DNN + S-NSSAI in the 5G system. In the present application, it should be noted that the subscription information of DNN + S-NSSAI is subscription information having a granularity of DNN plus S-NSSAI. The subscription information of the DNN + S-NSSAI below has the same meaning as the subscription information of the DNN + S-NSSAI herein. Repeated content is not described again.

In a second possible implementation, the MME first obtains all subscription information of the terminal device in the 4G system and all subscription information of the terminal device in the 5G system. In this case, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to each APN to which the terminal device subscribes in the 4G system, and the second subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to each DNN that the terminal device subscribes to in the 5G system. Or the second subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to each DNN + S-NSSAI to which the terminal device subscribes in the 5G system. Specifically, for a first possibility, the manner in which the MME determines that both the first subscription information and the second subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session is as follows: Determine subscription information corresponding to the APN, and the second subscription information includes subscription information of the DNN corresponding to the APN; Alternatively, it is determined that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the APN, and the second subscription information includes subscription information of the DNN + S-NSSAI corresponding to the APN. For a second possibility, the manner in which the MME determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session and the second subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session The MME determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the APN and the second subscription information does not include subscription information of the DNN corresponding to the APN; Alternatively, the MME determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the APN, and the second subscription information does not include subscription information of the DNN + S-NSSAI corresponding to the APN.

In a third possible implementation, the MME first obtains all subscription information of the terminal device in the 4G system, and the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to each APN to which the terminal device subscribes in the 4G system. The MME then determines or obtains the second subscription information based on the determined APN, and the second subscription information corresponds to the APN and is the subscription information of the DNN for the terminal device in the 5G system, or indicates whether the terminal device subscribes to the DNN. It may be indication information. Alternatively, the second subscription information may correspond to APN and may be subscription information of the DNN + S-NSSAI for the terminal device in the 5G system, or may be indication information indicating whether the terminal device subscribes to the DNN + S-NSSAI. Specifically, for the first possibility, the manner in which the MME determines that both the first subscription information and the second subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session is as follows: The first subscription information is assigned to the APN. Include corresponding subscription information, the terminal device having subscription information of the DNN corresponding to the APN and in the 5G system; Or the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the APN, and the terminal device has subscription information of the DNN + S-NSSAI corresponding to the APN and in the 5G system. For a second possibility, the manner in which the MME determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session and the second subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session The first subscription information includes the subscription information corresponding to the APN, and the terminal device does not have the subscription information of the DNN corresponding to the APN and in the 5G system; Or the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the APN, and the terminal device does not have subscription information of the DNN + S-NSSAI corresponding to the APN and in the 5G system.

The subscription information corresponding to all the APNs included in the first subscription information is not in a one-to-one correspondence with the subscription information of the DNNs in the second subscription information, and only some of the APN's subscription information correspond to the DNN's subscription information in the 5G system. Should understand that Similarly, the subscription information corresponding to all the APNs included in the first subscription information does not have a one-to-one correspondence with the subscription information of the DNNs + S-NSSAI in the second subscription information, and only the subscription information of some APNs is in the 5G system. One-to-one correspondence with subscription information of DNNs + S-NSSAI.

In a fourth possible implementation, if the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, after the MME determines the APN, the MME sends a fifth message to the co-located user data management network element, and the fifth The message is used to query whether subscription information corresponding to the DNN corresponding to the APN exists in the subscription information corresponding to the APN. The MME receives the query results sent by the co-located user data management network element. If the query result indicates that the subscription information corresponding to the DNN corresponding to the APN exists in the subscription information corresponding to the APN, the MME selects a co-located session management function network element. If the query result indicates that the subscription information corresponding to the DNN corresponding to the APN does not exist in the subscription information corresponding to the APN, the MME selects a session management function network element in the 4G system. Alternatively, if the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, after the MME determines the APN, the MME sends a fifth message to the co-located user data management network element, and the fifth message is It is used to query whether subscription information corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI corresponding to APN exists in subscription information corresponding to APN. The MME receives the query results sent by the co-located user data management network element. If the query result indicates that the subscription information corresponding to the DNN + S-NSSAI corresponding to the APN exists in the subscription information corresponding to the APN, the MME selects the co-located session management function network element. If the query result indicates that the subscription information corresponding to the DNN + S-NSSAI corresponding to the APN does not exist in the subscription information corresponding to the APN, the MME selects a session management function network element in the 4G system.

In a fifth possible implementation, the MME sends a sixth message to the co-located user data management network element, and the sixth message is used to obtain a mapping relationship between the APN and the DNN, wherein the mapping relationship includes the subscription information of the APN. It indicates that it corresponds to the subscription information of the DNN. The MME receives the mapping relationship sent by the co-located user data management network element and stores the mapping relationship. For example, the MME may send a sixth message to the co-located user data management network element before receiving the first message sent by the terminal device, or the MME receives the first message sent by the terminal device. And then send the sixth message to the co-located user data management network element. After determining the APN, the MME queries the mapping relationship based on the APN. If the mapping relationship indicates that the APN corresponds to the DNN, the MME selects a co-located session management function network element. If the mapping relationship indicates that the APN does not correspond to any DNN, the MME selects a session management function network element in the 4G system. Similarly, the above design is also applicable when the APN corresponds to the DNN and S-NSSAI. Details are not described here.

For example, a terminal device joins three APNs in a 4G system including APN 1, APN 2, and APN 3, and four in a 5G system including DNN 1, DNN 2, DNN 3, and DNN 4 Join DNN. APN 1 corresponds to DNN 2 and APN 3 corresponds to DNN 3. In this way, the mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between APN 1 and DNN 2 and a mapping relationship between APN 3 and DNN 3. If the MME determines APN 2, the MME queries the mapping relationship based on APN 2, determines that APN 2 does not correspond to any DNN, and the MME selects a session management function network element in the 4G system. If the MME determines APN 3, the MME queries the mapping relationship based on APN 3 and determines that the DNN corresponding to APN 4 is DNN 3, and the MME selects a co-located session management function network element.

Thus, in the possible implementations described above, the MME may select the co-located session management function network element as a target session management function network element for a terminal device having both interworking capability and interworking requirements. The MME may select the session management function network element in the 4G system as the target session management network element for the terminal device having interworking capability but no interoperation requirements (ie, the terminal device needs to use the services of the 5G network). Or do not subscribe to services on 5G networks). In this way, since the session requirements can be met, the load on the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

Scenario 2: The first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is AMF.

Scenario 2 may specifically include two possible cases.

In a first possible case, if the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, the AMF is a target. Select the co-located session management function network element as the session management network element, for example SMF + PGW-C shown in FIG.

In a second possible case, the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information is the data network of the session. If it does not include the subscription information corresponding to the identity, the AMF selects the session management function network element in the 5G system as the target session management network element, and the session management function network element in the 5G system is SMF.

Similar to scenario 1, in the two possible cases described above, the AMF needs to determine the target session management network element using two decision steps. The order of performing the two decision steps is not limited.

One decision step is to determine whether the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system. Specifically, the AMF may determine that the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system based on the capability information of the terminal device.

Another decision step is to determine by the AMF whether both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session.

First, the AMF determines the data network identity of the current session. When the first communication system is a 5G system and the second communication system is a 4G system, the data network identity of the session is a DNN, or a DNN and an S-NSSAI. The specific way of determining the DNN or the specific way of determining the DNN and S-NSSAI is not limited in this application. In a possible design, the first message carries the data network identity of the session, and the AMF can determine the data network identity of the session based on the first message. In another possible design, the first message does not carry a data network identity, and the AMF determines the DNN, or DNN and S-NSSAI, eg, the default DNN, or the default DNN and S-NSSAI, or the local policy, local The configured DNN and the configured DNN and S-NSSAI for the session may be determined based on the configuration and the like. The following method of determining the data network identity of a session by AMF is consistent with the method herein. Repeated content is not described again.

In a first implementation, the AMF determines or obtains first subscription information and second subscription information based on the determined DNN. In this case, the first subscription information may be subscription information of the DNN of the terminal device in the 5G system or may be indication information indicating whether the terminal device subscribes to the DNN. The second subscription information corresponds to the DNN and is subscription information of the APN for the terminal device in the 4G system, and the APN corresponds to the DNN; Or the second subscription information corresponds to DNN and S-NSSAI and is APN's subscription information for the terminal device in the 4G system, and the APN corresponds to DNN + S-NSSAI, or the second subscription information indicates that the terminal device subscribes to the APN. It may be indication information indicating whether or not. Specifically, for the first possibility, the manner in which the AMF determines that both the first subscription information and the second subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session is as follows: Having subscription information of the DNN, the terminal device has subscription information of the APN corresponding to the DNN and in the 4G system; Or the terminal device has subscription information of DNN + S-NSSAI in 5G system, and the terminal device corresponds to DNN + S-NSSAI and has subscription information of APN in 4G system. For a second possibility, the manner in which the AMF determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session and the second subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session may include: The terminal device has the subscription information of the DNN in the 5G system, and the terminal device corresponds to the DNN and does not have the subscription information of the APN in the 4G system; Or the terminal device has subscription information of DNN + S-NSSAI in 5G system, and the terminal device corresponds to DNN + S-NSSAI and does not have subscription information of APN in 4G system.

In a second possible implementation, the AMF first obtains all subscription information of the terminal device in the 4G system and all subscription information of the terminal device in the 5G system. In this case, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to each DNN that the terminal device subscribes to in the 5G system, or the first subscription information corresponds to each DNN + S-NSSAI that the terminal device subscribes to in the 5G system. Includes subscription information. The second subscription information includes subscription information of each APN to which the terminal device subscribes in the 4G system. Specifically, for the first possibility, the manner in which the AMF determines that both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session is as follows: And include subscription information corresponding to the DNN, and the second subscription information includes subscription information of the APN corresponding to the DNN. Alternatively, the AMF determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI, and the second subscription information includes subscription information of APN corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI. For a second possibility, the manner in which the AMF determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session and the second subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session may include: The AMF determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the DNN, and the second subscription information does not include subscription information of the APN corresponding to the DNN. Alternatively, the AMF determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI, and the second subscription information does not include subscription information of APN corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI.

In a third possible implementation, the AMF first obtains all subscription information of the terminal device in the 5G system, and the first subscription information includes the subscription information of each DNN to which the terminal device subscribes in the 5G system, or the first subscription information. Includes subscription information corresponding to each DNN + S-NSSAI to which the terminal device subscribes in the 5G system. The AMF determines or obtains the second subscription information based on the determined DNN or the determined DNN + S-NSSA, and the second subscription information corresponds to the DNN or DNN + S-NSSA and the APN's subscription to the terminal device in the 4G system. Information or indication information indicating whether the terminal device joins the APN. Specifically, for a first possibility, the manner in which the AMF determines that both the first subscription information and the second subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session is as follows: The first subscription information is sent to the DNN. Including corresponding subscription information, the terminal device having subscription information of an APN corresponding to the DNN and in the 4G system; Or the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI, and the terminal device has subscription information of an APN corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI and in a 4G system. For a second possibility, the manner in which the AMF determines that the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session and the second subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session may include: The first subscription information includes the subscription information corresponding to the DNN, and the terminal device does not have the subscription information of the APN corresponding to the DNN and in the 4G system; Or the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI, and the terminal device does not have subscription information of APN corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI and in the 4G system.

The subscription information corresponding to all the DNNs included in the first subscription information is not in one-to-one correspondence with the subscription information of the APNs in the second subscription information, and only some DNN's subscription information correspond one-to-one with the subscription information of the APNs in the 4G system. Should understand that Similarly, the subscription information corresponding to all DNNs + S-NSSAI included in the first subscription information is not in one-to-one correspondence with the subscription information of APNs in the second subscription information, and only the subscription information of some DNNs + S-NSSAI is included. It should be understood that there is a one-to-one correspondence with subscription information of APNs in 4G systems.

In a fourth possible implementation, if the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, after the AMF determines the DNN, the AMF sends a seventh message to the co-located user data management network element, and the seventh The message is used to query whether subscription information corresponding to the APN corresponding to the DNN exists in the subscription information corresponding to the DNN. The AMF receives the query results sent by the co-located user data management network element. If the query result indicates that the subscription information corresponding to the APN corresponding to the DNN is present, the AMF selects the co-located session management function network element. If the query result indicates that the subscription information corresponding to the APN corresponding to the DNN is not present in the subscription information corresponding to the DNN, the AMF selects a session management function network element in the 5G system. Alternatively, if the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, after AMF determines the DNN + S-NSSAI, the AMF sends a seventh message to the co-located user data management network element, The seventh message is used to query whether the subscription information of the APN corresponding to the DNN + S-NSSAI exists in the subscription information corresponding to the DNN + S-NSSAI. The AMF receives the query results sent by the co-located user data management network element. If the query result indicates that subscription information corresponding to the APN corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI is determined to exist, the AMF selects the co-located session management function network element. If the query result indicates that the subscription information corresponding to the APN corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI does not exist in the subscription information corresponding to DNN + S-NSSAI, the AMF selects the session management function network element in the 5G system. .

In a fifth possible implementation, if the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, the AMF sends an eighth message to the co-located user data management network element, and the eighth message is between the DNN and the APN. Used to obtain a mapping relationship, the AMF receives the mapping relationship sent by the co-located user data management network element and stores the mapping relationship. For example, the AMF may send an eighth message to the co-located user data management network element before receiving the first message sent by the terminal device, or the AMF receives the first message sent by the terminal device. And then send the eighth message to the co-located user data management network element. After determining the DNN, the AMF queries the mapping relationship based on the DNN. If the mapping relationship indicates that the DNN corresponds to the APN, the AMF selects the co-located session management function network element. If the mapping relationship indicates that the DNN does not correspond to any APN, the AMF selects a session management function network element in the 5G system. Similarly, the above design is also applicable when the DNN + S-NSSAI corresponds to an APN. Details are not described here.

For example, a terminal device joins three APNs in a 4G system including APN 1, APN 2, and APN 3, and four in a 5G system including DNN 1, DNN 2, DNN 3, and DNN 4 Join DNN. APN 1 corresponds to DNN 2 and APN 3 corresponds to DNN 3. In this way, the mapping relationship includes a mapping relationship between APN 1 and DNN 2 and a mapping relationship between APN 3 and DNN 3. If the AMF determines DNN 2, the AMF queries the mapping relationship based on DNN 2 and determines that the APN corresponding to DNN 2 is APN 1, and the AMF selects the co-located session management function network element. When AMF determines DNN 1, AMF queries the mapping relationship based on DNN 1 and determines that DNN 1 does not correspond to any APN, and AMF selects a session management function network element in 5G system.

Thus, in the possible implementations described above, the AMF may select the co-located session management function network element as a target session management function network element for a terminal device having both interworking capability and interworking requirements. The AMF may select a session management function network element in a 5G system as a target session management network element for terminal devices that have interworking capability but no interoperation requirements (ie, the terminal device needs to use the services of the 4G network). Or do not subscribe to services on 4G networks). In this way, since the session requirements can be met, the load on the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

Further, the first network element in the first communication system may also determine a second message based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information, and determine the second message as the target session management function network. Sending to the element, causing the target session management function network element to determine the policy control network element and the charging system based on the second message. The second message instructs the target session management function network element to select a co-located policy control network element and a co-located charging system, or a policy control network element and a charging system in the first communication system. Contains information.

Scenario 1 and scenario 2 are described in detail individually below.

Scenario 1: The first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME.

The terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information corresponds to the data network identity of the session; If not, the MME selects a co-located session management function network element, and the MME sends a second message to the co-located session management function network element, so that the co-located session management function network element is Based on the second message, the policy control network element and the charging system are determined to be the policy control network element and the charging system in the 4G system. The second message includes command information instructing the co-located session management function network element to select a policy control network element and a charging system in the 4G system. Thus, the MME uses the second message to inform the co-located session management function network element of the policy control network element and the charging system in the 4G system for the terminal device with interworking capability but no interoperation requirements. Can be instructed to select (in other words, the terminal device does not need to use the service of the 5G network or subscribe to the service of the 5G network), so that the load of the co-located policy control network element and the co-located charging system The load can be reduced.

For example, in possible networking, all PGW-Cs are upgraded to SMFs + PGW-Cs, but the policy control network element and the charging system network element are not upgraded, that is, the policy control network element in 4G is PCRF The charging system network elements in 4G may be OCS and OFCS. In this case, even if the MME selects SMF + PGW-C, SMF + PGW-C does not know that the UE does not currently have interworking requirements, that is, the UE should not access the 5G system. Thus, the MME may send a second message to SMF + PGW-C, the second message including command information instructing SMF + PGW-C to select and access the policy control network element and billing system in 4G. .

Typically, when the MME selects a session management function network element in 4G, the session management function network element in 4G selects a policy control network element and a charging system in 4G; When the MME selects a co-located session management function network element, it should be understood that the co-located session management function network element selects a co-located policy control network element and a co-located charging system. However, according to the method provided in this embodiment of the present application, the MME may instruct the co-located session management function network element to select a policy control network element and a billing system in the 4G system, thereby co-locating the policy. The load of the control network element and the load of the co-located charging system system can be reduced.

Scenario 2: The first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is AMF.

The terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information corresponds to the data network identity of the session; If not, AMF selects the co-located session management function network element, and AMF sends a second message to the co-located session management function network element, so that the co-located session management function network element is Based on the second message, the policy control network element and the charging system are determined to be the policy control network element and the charging system in the 5G system. The second message includes command information instructing the co-located session management function network element to select the policy control network element and the charging system in the 5G system. Thus, the AMF uses the second message to inform the co-located session management function network element of the policy control network element and the charging system in the 5G system for the terminal device having interworking capability but no interworking requirements. Can be instructed to select (in other words, the terminal device does not need to use the service of the 4G network or subscribe to the service of the 4G network), so that the load of the co-located policy control network element and the co-located charging system The load can be reduced.

For example, in possible networking, deployment of pure SMF devices has not begun, that is, all SMFs + PGW-Cs are obtained by upgrading PGW-Cs, but policy control network elements and charging system related network elements are upgraded. It doesn't work. Therefore, AMF can only select SMF + PGW-C. AMF may send a second message to SMF + PGW-C, which instructs SMF + PGW-C to select and access a policy control network element and billing system, such as PCF, that is at 5G. Contains information.

Typically, when the AMF selects a session management function network element in 5G, the session management function network element in 5G selects a policy control network element and a charging system in 5G; When the AMF selects a co-located session management function network element, it should be understood that the co-located session management function network element selects a co-located policy control network element and a co-located charging system. However, according to the method provided in this embodiment of the present application, the AMF may instruct the co-located session management function network element to select the policy control network element and the billing system in the 5G system, thus co-located policy. The load of the control network element and the load of the co-located charging system system can be reduced.

The network element selection process in this embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3 shows a specific process 1 in which a UE establishes a session connection in a 4G network.

Step 301: The MME obtains UE capability information. In a possible design, in the Attach procedure or Track area update (TAU) procedure, the UE sends a NAS message to the MME. The NAS message carries UE capabilities information, the UE capabilities include information on whether the UE supports 4G system, information on whether the UE supports 5G system, etc., or the UE capabilities indicates 4G system And indication information indicating whether to support both 5G systems. MME stores UE capabilities.

Step 302: The UE sends a session request message to the MME, which may also be included in an attach request. The session request message may be a NAS message.

Step 303: The MME determines an APN. In a possible design, the session request message carries an APN. In another possible design, the session request message does not carry an APN, and the MME may determine an APN, eg, a default APN.

Step 304: The MME determines a target session management function network element based on the UE capability information, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information. If the terminal device supports the 4G system and the 5G system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the APN, the MME performs step 305a. If the terminal device supports the 4G system and the 5G system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the APN, and the second subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the APN, the MME performs step 305b. . It should be understood that for the specific process by which the MME determines the target session management function network element based on the UE capability information, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information, reference may be made to a possible implementation in scenario 1. Repeated content is not described again.

In a possible design, before step 302, for example, in the attach procedure or the TAU procedure, the MME sends a third message to the HSS + UDM, and the third message is used to obtain the first subscription information and the second subscription information. do. The MME stores first subscription information and second subscription information. In another possible design, after step 303, the MME sends a fourth message to HSS + UDM, which is used to query the first subscription information and the second subscription information.

Step 305a: The MME selects SMF + PGW-C as the target session management network element, and sends a session request message to SMF + PGW-C.

Step 305b: The MME selects PGW-C as the target session management network element and sends a session request message to the PGW-C.

Subsequent session establishment procedures mainly include configuration of radio resources, establishment of a user plane tunnel, and the like. For details, refer to the prior art.

4 shows a specific process 2 for the UE to establish a session connection in a 4G network. All PGW-Cs are upgraded to SMFs + PGW-Cs, but policy control network elements and charging system related network elements are not upgraded. The policy control network element in 4G is PCRF, the charging system network elements in 4G are OCS and OFCS, and the policy control network element and charging system in 5G are PCFs.

Steps 401 to 403 are the same as steps 301 to 303.

Step 404: The MME determines a target policy control network element and a target charging system based on the UE capability information, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information. If the terminal device supports the 4G system and the 5G system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the APN, the MME performs step 405a. If the terminal device supports the 4G system and the 5G system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the APN, and the second subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the APN, the MME performs step 405b. .

Step 405a: The MME sends a session request message to SMF + PGW-C. The session request message may not carry command information or may carry first command information. The first command information directs SMF + PGW-C to select a co-located policy control network element and a co-located charging system. Thus, the target policy control network element and the target charging system are co-located policy control network elements and the co-located charging system.

Step 405b: The MME sends a session request message to SMF + PGW-C, the session request message returns second command information, and the second command information is sent to SMF + PGW-C for policy control network element and charging. Instructs you to select a system. Thus, the target policy control network element and the target charging system are the policy control network element and the charging system in 4G.

5 shows a specific process 1 in which the UE establishes a session connection in a 5G network. In the following, only an example in which the DNN corresponds to the APN is used for explanation. The processing procedure in which the DNN + S-NSSAI corresponds to the APN is similar. Details are not described herein again.

Step 501: The AMF obtains UE capability information. In a possible design, in the registration procedure or the re-registration procedure, the UE sends a NAS message to the AMF. The NAS message carries UE capabilities information, the UE capabilities include information on whether the UE supports 4G system, information on whether the UE supports 5G system, etc., or the UE capabilities indicates 4G system And indication information indicating whether to support both 5G systems. AMF stores UE capabilities.

Step 502: The UE sends a session request message to the AMF, where the session request message is a NAS message.

Step 503: The AMF determines the DNN. In a possible design, the session request message carries a DNN. In another possible design, the session request message does not carry a DNN, and the AMF may determine an APN, eg, a default DNN.

Step 504: The AMF determines a target session management function network element based on the UE capability information, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information. If the terminal device supports the 4G system and the 5G system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the DNN, the AMF performs step 505a. If the terminal device supports the 4G system and the 5G system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the DNN, and the second subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the DNN, the AMF performs step 505b. . It should be understood that for a particular process where the AMF determines the target session management function network element based on the UE capability information, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information, reference may be made to a possible implementation in scenario 2. Repeated content is not described again.

In a possible design, before step 502, for example, in a registration procedure or a re-registration procedure, the AMF sends a third message to the HSS + UDM, and the third message is for obtaining the first subscription information and the second subscription information. Used. The AMF stores the first subscription information and the second subscription information. In another possible design, after step 503, the AMF sends a fourth message to HSS + UDM, which is used to query the first subscription information and the second subscription information.

Step 505a: The AMF selects SMF + PGW-C as the target session management network element and sends a session request message to SMF + PGW-C.

Step 505b: The AMF selects the SMF as the target session management network element and sends a session request message to the SMF.

Subsequent session establishment procedures mainly include configuration of radio resources, establishment of a user plane tunnel, and the like. For details, refer to the prior art.

6 shows a specific process 2 for the UE to establish a session connection in a 5G network. Deployment of the pure SMF device has not started, that is, all SMFs + PGW-Cs are obtained by upgrading the PGW-Cs, but the policy control network element and the charging system related network element are not upgraded. For example, the policy control network element in 4G is PCRF and the charging system in 4G is OCS and OFCS. 5G has an independent policy control network element and an independent billing system, for example PCF.

Steps 601 to 603 are the same as steps 501 to 503.

Step 604: The AMF determines the target policy control network element and the target charging system based on the UE capability information, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information. If the terminal device supports the 4G system and the 5G system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the DNN, the AMF performs step 605a. If the terminal device supports the 4G system and the 5G system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the DNN, and the second subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the DNN, the AMF performs step 605b. .

Step 605a: The AMF sends a session request message to SMF + PGW-C. The session request message may not carry command information or may carry first command information. The first command information directs SMF + PGW-C to select a co-located policy control network element and a co-located charging system. Thus, the target policy control network element and the target charging system are co-located policy control network elements and the co-located charging system.

Step 605b: The AMF sends a session request message to SMF + PGW-C, the session request message returns second command information, and the second command information is sent to SMF + PGW-C for policy control network element and charging. Instruct the system to select and access it. Thus, the target policy control network element and the target charging system are the policy control network element and the charging system in 4G.

Based on the embodiment described above, an embodiment of the present application provides a network element selection apparatus. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 700 includes:

A receiving unit 701, configured to receive a first message sent by the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to request to establish a session; And

A processing unit 702, configured to determine a target session management function network element based on first subscription information and second subscription information in response to the first message, wherein the first subscription information is a terminal device in a first communication system. And subscription information of the second subscription information, wherein the second subscription information includes subscription information of the terminal device in the second communication system.

In a possible design, the processing unit 702 is specifically configured to determine the target session management function network element based on the terminal device's capabilities, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the device is an MME; The processing unit 702 may include: the terminal device supports a first communication system and a second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information receive subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session. If included, specifically configured to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein a network element having session management capability of a 5G system and session management capability of a 4G system is co-located. Session management function network element.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the device is an MME; The processing unit 702 may include: the terminal device supporting the first communication system and the second communication system, wherein the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to a data network identity of the session, 2 If the subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, it is specifically configured to select a session management function network element in a 4G system as the target session management network element.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the device is an AMF; The processing unit 702 may include: the terminal device supports a first communication system and a second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information receive subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session. If included, specifically configured to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein a network element having session management capability of a 5G system and session management capability of a 4G system is co-located. Session management function network element.

In a possible design, the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the device is an AMF; The processing unit 702 may include: the terminal device supporting the first communication system and the second communication system, wherein the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to a data network identity of the session, 2 If the subscription information does not include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, it is specifically configured to select a session management function network element in a 5G system as the target session management network element.

In a possible design, the apparatus further comprises: a sending unit 703, configured to send a second message to the target session management function network element, such that the target session management function network element has a policy based on the second message. Determine control network elements and billing systems.

For specific implementations and corresponding advantages of the functional modules included in the network element selection apparatus of FIG. 7, it may be understood that specific descriptions of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 may be referred to. Details are not described here.

It should be understood that the division of units is merely a division of logical functions, and during actual implementation, all or some of the units may be integrated into one physical entity or may be physically separated. In addition, these units may all be implemented using software through calls by processing elements, or they may all be implemented in the form of hardware. Alternatively, some units are implemented using software through calls by processing elements, and some units are implemented in the form of hardware. During implementation, the above-described methods or steps within the aforementioned units may be implemented using hardware integrated logic circuitry within the processing element, or using instructions in the form of software.

For example, the aforementioned units may comprise one or more integrated circuits, eg, one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), for implementing the aforementioned methods. Or as one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). As another example, when one of the aforementioned units is implemented by invoking a program by a processing element, the processing element may be a general purpose such as a central processing unit (CPU) or another processor capable of invoking the program. It may be a processor. As another example, these units may be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

In another optional variant, an embodiment of the present application provides a network element selection apparatus. For example, the network element selection device may be a chip, the device may include a processor and an interface, and the interface may be an input / output interface. The processor implements the functions of the processing unit 702, and the interface implements the functions of the receiving unit 701 and the functions of the transmitting unit 702. The device may further comprise a memory. The memory is configured to store a program that can be executed on the processor. When the processor executes the program, the method of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is performed.

Based on the above-described embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides a first network element in the first communication system. As shown in FIG. 8, the network element 800 includes a transceiver 801, a processor 802, and a memory 803. The memory 803 is configured to store a computer program. The processor 802 calls a computer program stored in the memory 803 and uses the transceiver 801 to perform the method shown in FIG. The processor may be a CPU, a network processor (NP), a hardware chip, or any combination thereof. The memory may include volatile memory, for example random access memory (RAM). Alternatively, the memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid state drive (SSD). It may include non-volatile memory. Alternatively, the memory may include a combination of the above types of memories.

It can be appreciated that the apparatus in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 can be implemented using the network element 800 shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, the processing unit 702 may be implemented by the processor 802, and the receiving unit 701 and the transmitting unit 703 may be implemented by the transceiver 801. The structure of the network element 800 does not constitute a limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

9 shows a specific process 1 in which a UE establishes a session connection in a 4G network.

Step 901: The MME obtains UE capability information. In a possible design, in the Attach procedure or Track area update (TAU) procedure, the UE sends a NAS message to the MME. The NAS message carries UE capabilities information, the UE capabilities include information on whether the UE supports 4G system, information on whether the UE supports 5G system, etc., or the UE capabilities indicates 4G system And indication information indicating whether to support both 5G systems. MME stores UE capabilities.

Step 902: The UE sends a session request message to the MME, which may also be included in an attach request. The session request message may be a NAS message.

Step 903: The MME determines an APN. In a possible design, the session request message in step 902 carries an APN. In another possible design, the session request message does not carry an APN, and the MME may determine an APN, eg, a default APN. The APN decision method is described above. Details are not described again.

Step 904: The MME determines a target session management function network element based on UE capability information (or referred to as terminal's capability) and third subscription information. Specifically, the capability of the terminal indicates that the UE supports 4G system and 5G system, and the data network identity APN whose third subscription of the terminal corresponds to the session is associated with the 5G system (or referred to as 5GC). If instructing to support, the MME selects the co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element and performs step 905a. Optionally, the third subscription of the terminal indicates that the data network identity APN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 5G system (or referred to as 5GC): the third subscription information of the terminal corresponds to the session. And the indication information indicating that the data network identity APN supports interworking with the network slice identification S-NSSAI and the DNN. The co-located session management function network element may be a network element having both session management capability of a 4G system and session management capability of a 5G system, for example, SMF + PGW-C. If the capability of the terminal indicates that the UE supports the 4G system and the 5G system, and the third subscription information indicates that the data network identity APN of the session does not support interworking with the 5G system, then the MME is the target session management network. Step 905b is performed without selecting the co-located session management function network element as the element. The MME does not select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element: a session management function network element that is not specifically used for interworking by the MME, e.g. Selecting PGW-C or PGW in a pure 4G system. Thus, the MME may select the co-located session management function network element as a target session management function network element for a terminal device having both interworking capability and interworking requirements.

In addition, the MME also determines a second message based on the capabilities of the terminal device and the third subscription information, and sends the second message to the target session management function network element, so that the target session management function network element is based on the second message. Policy control network elements and billing systems. The second message instructs the target session management function network element to select a co-located policy control network element and a co-located charging system, or a policy control network element and a charging system in the first communication system. Contains information. For a specific process, reference is made to the embodiment corresponding to FIG. 4.

Step 905a: The MME selects SMF + PGW-C as the target session management network element, and sends a session request message to SMF + PGW-C.

Step 905b: The MME selects PGW-C as the target session management network element and sends a session request message to the PGW-C.

Subsequent session establishment procedures mainly include configuration of radio resources, establishment of a user plane tunnel, and the like. For details, refer to the prior art.

Accordingly, the MME may use the session management function network element in a 4G system as a target session management network element for terminal devices that have interworking capability but no interoperation requirements (ie, the terminal device does not support interworking with 5G). You can choose. In this way, since the session requirements can be met, the load on the co-located session management function network element can be reduced. Optionally, the MME provides a co-located session management network element with a policy in the 4G system for terminal devices that have interworking capabilities but no interoperability requirements (ie, terminal devices do not support interworking with 5G). Since it may be instructed to select the control network element and the charging system, the load of the co-located policy control network element and the load of the co-located charging system may be reduced.

In addition, it may be understood that reference may be made to the description of the above-described embodiments for the contents not clearly described in the descriptions in the embodiment corresponding to FIG. 9.

In addition, the logical structure of the MME of FIG. 9 may be shown in FIG. 7, and the steps described in FIG. 9 may be implemented using the processing unit, the receiving unit, and the transmitting unit in FIG. 7. It can be appreciated that the apparatus in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 can be implemented using the network element 800 shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, the processing unit 702 may be implemented by the processor 802, and the receiving unit 701 and the transmitting unit 703 may be implemented by the transceiver 801. The structure of the network element 800 does not constitute a limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

10 shows a specific process 1 in which a UE establishes a session connection in a 5G network.

Step 1001: The AMF obtains UE capability information. In a possible design, in the registration procedure or the re-registration procedure, the UE sends a NAS message to the AMF. The NAS message carries UE capabilities information, the UE capabilities include information on whether the UE supports 4G system, information on whether the UE supports 5G system, etc., or the UE capabilities indicates 4G system And indication information indicating whether to support both 5G systems. AMF stores UE capabilities.

Step 1002: The UE sends a session request message to the AMF, where the session request message is a NAS message.

Step 1003: The AMF determines the DNN. In a possible design, the session request message in step 1002 carries a DNN. In another possible design, the session request message does not carry a DNN, and the AMF may determine an APN, eg, a default DNN. The DNN decision scheme is described above. Details are not described again.

Step 1004: The AMF determines the target session management function network element based on the UE capability information (or referred to as the terminal's capability) and the third subscription information. Specifically, the capability of the terminal indicates that the UE supports 4G system and 5G system, and the data network identity DNN whose third subscription of the terminal corresponds to the session is mutually associated with the 4G system (or referred to as EPS or EPC). If instructing to support interworking, the AMF selects the co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element and performs step 1005a. Optionally, the third subscription of the terminal indicates that the data network identity DNN corresponding to the sessions supports interworking with the 4G system (or referred to as EPS or EPC): the third subscription information of the terminal is the session. And the network slice identification S-NSSAI and data network identity DNN corresponding to the indicating information indicating that the DNN supports interworking. The co-located session management function network element may be a network element having both session management capability of a 4G system and session management capability of a 5G system, for example, SMF + PGW-C. If the capability of the terminal indicates that the UE supports 4G system and 5G system, and the third subscription information indicates that the data network identity DNN of the session does not support interworking with the 4G system, then the AMF is the target session management network. Step 1005b is performed without selecting the co-located session management function network element as the element. AMF does not select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element: A session management function network element, which is not specifically used for interworking by the AMF, for example, Selecting SMF in a pure 5G system. Thus, the AMF may select the co-located session management function network element as a target session management function network element for a terminal device having both interworking capability and interworking requirements.

In addition, the AMF also determines the second message based on the capabilities of the terminal device and the third subscription information, and sends the second message to the target session management function network element, so that the target session management function network element is based on the second message. Policy control network elements and billing systems. The second message instructs the target session management function network element to select a co-located policy control network element and a co-located charging system, or a policy control network element and a charging system in the first communication system. Contains information. For a specific process, reference is made to the embodiment corresponding to FIG. 6.

Step 1005a: AMF selects SMF + PGW-C as the target session management network element and sends a session request message to SMF + PGW-C.

Step 1005b: The AMF selects the SMF as the target session management network element and sends a session request message to the SMF.

Subsequent session establishment procedures mainly include configuration of radio resources, establishment of a user plane tunnel, and the like. For details, refer to the prior art.

Thus, the AMF uses the session management function network element in a 5G system as a target session management network element for terminal devices that have interworking capability but no interoperability requirements (ie, the terminal device does not support interworking with 4G). You can choose. In this way, since the session requirements can be met, the load on the co-located session management function network element can be reduced. Optionally, AMF provides co-located session management network elements with policies in the 5G system for terminal devices that have interoperability but no interoperability requirements (ie, terminal devices do not support interworking with 4G). Since it may be instructed to select the control network element and the charging system, the load of the co-located policy control network element and the load of the co-located charging system may be reduced.

In addition, it may be understood that reference may be made to the description of the above-described embodiments for the contents not clearly described in the descriptions of the embodiment corresponding to FIG. 10.

In addition, the logical structure of the AMF of FIG. 10 may be shown in FIG. 7, and the steps described in FIG. 10 may be implemented using the processing unit, the receiving unit, and the transmitting unit in FIG. 7. It can be appreciated that the apparatus in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 can be implemented using the network element 800 shown in FIG. 8. Specifically, the processing unit 702 may be implemented by the processor 802, and the receiving unit 701 and the transmitting unit 703 may be implemented by the transceiver 801. The structure of the network element 800 does not constitute a limitation to the embodiments of the present application.

Embodiments of the present application further provide a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is able to perform the method of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the processor is able to perform the steps corresponding to the MME shown in FIG. 9, and the processor is also in FIG. 10. The steps corresponding to the illustrated AMF can be performed.

In summary, in the method provided in this embodiment of the present application, a first network element in a first communication system receives a first message sent by a terminal device, the first message requesting to establish a session. Used for. In response to a first message, the first network element in the first communication system determines a target session management function network element based on first subscription information and second subscription information. In the prior art, compared to selecting a network element based solely on whether the terminal device supports a 4G system and a 5G system, the terminal device supporting the 4G system and the 5G system and having no interworking requirements can select the network element appropriately. For example, the load of the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

If the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME, the MME is connected to a terminal device having both interworking capability and interworking requirements. Select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management function network element. The MME may select the session management function network element in the 4G system as the target session management network element for the terminal device having interworking capability but no interoperation requirements (ie, the terminal device needs to use the services of the 5G network). Or do not subscribe to services on 5G networks). In this way, since the session requirements can be met, the load on the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

If the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is AMF, then the AMF is applied to the terminal device having both interworking capability and interworking requirements. Select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management function network element. The AMF may select a session management function network element in a 5G system as a target session management network element for terminal devices that have interworking capability but no interoperation requirements (ie, the terminal device needs to use the services of the 4G network). Or do not subscribe to services on 4G networks). In this way, since the session requirements can be met, the load on the co-located session management function network element can be reduced.

If the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME, the MME uses a second message to co-register. The session device may be directed to select a policy control network element and billing system in the 4G system for an end device that has interworking capability but no interoperation requirements (i.e., the end device may have a 5G network). Need not use the service or do not subscribe to the service of the 5G network), the load of the co-located policy control network element and the load of the co-located charging system can be reduced. If the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an AMF, the AMF uses a second message to co-register. Since the located session management function network element can be instructed to select the policy control network element and billing system in the 5G system for the terminal device with interoperability but without interoperation requirements (i.e., the terminal device is a 4G network). Need not use the service or do not subscribe to the service of the 4G network), the load of the co-located policy control network element and the load of the co-located charging system can be reduced.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present application may be provided as a method, system, or computer program product. Thus, embodiments of the present application may use the form of hardware only embodiments, software only embodiments, or embodiments having a combination of software and hardware. Moreover, embodiments of the present application may be embodied on one or more computer usable storage media (including, but not limited to, magnetic disk memory, CD-ROM, optical memory, etc.) containing computer usable program code. The form of the program product can be used.

Embodiments of the present application are described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of a method, a device (system), and a computer program product according to embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that computer program instructions may be used to implement each process and / or each block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams and a combination of process and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, a dedicated computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to create a machine, such that the instructions are executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device. Creates an apparatus for implementing a particular function in one or more processes in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

These computer program instructions can be stored in a computer readable memory that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an artifact comprising the instruction device. do. The instruction device implements a particular function in one or more processes in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

These computer program instructions may be loaded on a computer or other programmable data processing device such that a series of operations and steps are performed on the computer or other programmable device, thereby generating computer-implemented processing. Thus, instructions executed on a computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing a particular function in one or more processes in the flowcharts and / or in one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

Apparently, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to the embodiments of the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present application. In this way, the present application is intended to cover these modifications and variations so long as they fall within the scope of protection defined by the following claims and equivalent techniques.

Claims (38)

As a network element selection method, this method:
Receiving, by a first network element in a first communication system, a first message sent by a terminal device, the first message being used to request to establish a session; And
In response to the first message, determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on first subscription information and second subscription information; First subscription information includes subscription information of the terminal device in the first communication system, and the second subscription information includes subscription information of the terminal device in a second communication system. The method of claim 1, wherein determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on first subscription information and second subscription information:
Determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information. , Way. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and wherein the first network element in the first communication system is a mobility management entity MME;
Determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information:
If the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, Selecting a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein the network element having the session management capability of the 5G system and the session management capability of the 4G system is located in the co-location. Session management function network element. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an MME;
Determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information:
The terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to a data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information is data of the session. If not including subscription information corresponding to a network identity, selecting, by the MME, a session management function network element in the 4G system as the target session management network element. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is an access and mobility management function AMF;
Determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information:
If the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, Selecting a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein the network element having the session management capability of the 5G system and the session management capability of the 4G system is located in the co-location. Session management function network element. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the first network element in the first communication system is AMF;
Determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information:
The terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to a data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information is data of the session. If not including the subscription information corresponding to a network identity, selecting, by the AMF, a session management function network element in the 5G system as the target session management network element. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Sending, by the first network element in the first communication system, a second message to the target session management function network element, wherein the target session management function network element is based on the second message. To determine the policy control network element and the billing system. As a network element selection method, this method:
Receiving, by a first network element in a first communication system, a first message sent by a terminal device, the first message being used to request to establish a session; And
In response to the first message, determining, by the first network element in the first communication system, a target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device and the third subscription information of the terminal. Including, method. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first network element in the first communication system is an access and mobility management function network element AMF, and by the first network element in the first communication system, the capability of the terminal device and The determining of the target session management function network element based on the third subscription information of the terminal may include:
If the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and the third subscription information of the terminal indicates that the data network identity DNN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 4G system, Selecting, by the AMF, a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein the first communication system is a 5G system and the second communication system is a 4G system. . 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first network element in the first communication system is an access and mobility management function network element AMF, and by the first network element in the first communication system, the capability of the terminal device and The determining of the target session management function network element based on the third subscription information of the terminal may include:
If the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and the third subscription information indicates that the data network identity DNN of the session does not support interworking with a 4G system; Omitting to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein the first communication system is a 5G system and the second communication system is a 4G system. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein omitting, by the AMF, to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element comprises: by the AMF, the 5G as the target session management network element. Selecting a session management function network element in the system. 9. The terminal of claim 8, wherein the first network element in the first communication system is a mobility management function network element MME, and by the first network element in the first communication system, the capability of the terminal device and the terminal. Determining a target session management function network element based on the third subscription information of:
If the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and the third subscription information of the terminal indicates that the data network identity APN corresponding to the session supports interworking with a 5G system, Selecting, by the MME, a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein the first communication system is a 4G system and the second communication system is a 5G system. . 9. The terminal of claim 8, wherein the first network element in the first communication system is a mobility management function network element MME, and by the first network element in the first communication system, the capability of the terminal device and the terminal. Determining a target session management function network element based on the third subscription information of:
If the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and the third subscription information indicates that the data network identity APN of the session does not support interworking with a 5G system; Omitting to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein the first communication system is a 4G system and the second communication system is a 5G system. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein omitting, by the MME, to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element comprises: by the MME, the 4G as the target session management network element. Selecting a session management function network element in the system. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 14,
Sending, by the first network element in the first communication system, a second message to the target session management function network element, wherein the target session management function network element is based on the second message. To determine the policy control network element and the billing system. Network element selection device, which:
A receiving unit, configured to receive a first message sent by the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to request to establish a session; And
And in response to the first message, a processing unit configured to determine a target session management function network element based on first subscription information and second subscription information, wherein the first subscription information is configured in the first communication system. And subscription information of the terminal device, wherein the second subscription information includes subscription information of the terminal device in a second communication system. The process of claim 16 wherein the processing unit is:
And determine the target session management function network element based on the capabilities of the terminal device, the first subscription information, and the second subscription information. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the device is an MME;
The processing unit is:
The target session management network if the terminal device supports a first communication system and a second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session; Is specifically configured to select a co-located session management function network element as an element, wherein a network element having session management capability of the 5G system and session management capability of the 4G system is the co-located session management function network element. , Device. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the device is an MME;
The processing unit is:
The terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, wherein the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information includes the subscription information of the session. If not including the subscription information corresponding to a data network identity, specifically configured to select a session management function network element in the 4G system as the target session management network element. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the device is an AMF;
The processing unit is:
The target session management network if the terminal device supports a first communication system and a second communication system, and both the first subscription information and the second subscription information include subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session; Is specifically configured to select a co-located session management function network element as an element, wherein a network element having session management capability of the 5G system and session management capability of the 4G system is the co-located session management function network element. , Device. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first communication system is a 5G system, the second communication system is a 4G system, and the device is an AMF;
The processing unit is:
The terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, wherein the first subscription information includes subscription information corresponding to the data network identity of the session, and the second subscription information includes the subscription information of the session. If not including the subscription information corresponding to a data network identity, specifically configured to select a session management function network element in the 5G system as the target session management network element. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21,
Further comprising a sending unit, configured to send a second message to the target session management function network element, causing the target session management function network element to determine a policy control network element and a charging system based on the second message; Device. Network element selection device, which:
A receiving unit, configured to receive a first message sent by the terminal device, wherein the first message is used to request to establish a session; And
And in response to the first message, a processing unit configured to determine a target session management function network element based on a capability of the terminal device and third subscription information of the terminal. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the processing unit comprises: a 4G system in which the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and wherein the third subscription information of the terminal corresponds to the session. And specifically to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, if instructing to support interworking with the first session system, wherein the first communication system is a 5G system and the second communication system. Is a 4G system and the network element selection device is an access and mobility management function network element AMF in the 5G system. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the processing unit is configured to: support the terminal device for supporting the first communication system and the second communication system, and wherein the third subscription information enables the data network identity DNN of the session to interoperate with a 4G system. If not indicating, it is specifically configured to omit selecting a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein the first communication system is a 5G system, and the second communication system is And a network element selection device is an access and mobility management function network element AMF in the 5G system. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein omitting to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element comprises: selecting a session management function network element in the 5G system as the target session management network element. Comprising a device. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein said processing unit comprises: a 5G system wherein said terminal device supports said first communication system and said second communication system, and wherein said third subscription information of said terminal corresponds to said session; And specifically to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element if instructed to support interworking with the first session system, wherein the first communication system is a 4G system and the second communication system. Is a 5G system and the network element selection device is a mobility management function network element MME in the 4G system. The method of claim 23, wherein
The processing unit: if the terminal device supports the first communication system and the second communication system, and the third subscription information indicates that the data network identity APN of the session does not support interworking with a 5G system; Is specifically configured to omit selecting a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element, wherein the first communication system is a 4G system, the second communication system is a 5G system, and the network The element selection device is a mobility management function network element MME in the 4G system. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein omitting to select a co-located session management function network element as the target session management network element comprises: selecting a session management function network element in the 4G system as the target session management network element. Comprising a device. The device of claim 23, wherein the device is:
Further comprising a sending unit, configured to send a second message to the target session management function network element, causing the target session management function network element to determine a policy control network element and a charging system based on the second message; Device. A computer storage medium, wherein the computer storage medium stores computer software instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is performed. A computer storage medium, wherein the computer storage medium stores computer software instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15 is performed. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is performed. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising instructions, wherein when the instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15 is performed. A device for obtaining a key, the device comprising a processor and a transceiver, the processor being configured to support the device in performing a corresponding function in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Is configured to support communication between the apparatus and another network device. A device for obtaining a key, the device comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein the processor is configured to support the device in performing a corresponding function in the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15, and the transceiver Is configured to support communication between the apparatus and another network device. A key obtaining device, wherein the device is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A key obtaining device, wherein the device is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 8 to 15.

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